The Miami Lakes Town Council adopted a new tax rate for property taxes to help shield residents with Homestead Exemption from a tax hike, and a $35 million budget which included restoring funding for the city’s committees since volunteers play a major role in the town’s affairs.Lawmakers initially kept the 2.3518 rate but reduced it to the rollback rate of 2.3353 mills and closed the $40,000 budget deficit by cutting funding from...

A Candidate Forum for the November 8 general election will be held at noon on Tuesday, October 11, at Town Hall, 6601 Main Street, in Miami LakesThe Town has been hosting candidate forums for the past two elections with the Good Government Initiative (which is no longer active). Merrett R. Stierheim, a former interim Miami Lakes Town Manager, will serve as this year’s moderator in collaboration with the League of Women Voters of...

The Miami Lakes Bar Association hosted a debate last month for candidates running for seats on the Town’s Council in the November 8 general election. The public forum, which was moderated by former Miami-Dade County Mayor Alex Penelas, was held at Italy Today’s banquet room on Main Street. Participants included (from left) mayoral candidates Councilmember Manny Cid, incumbent Mayor Michael Pizzi and former mayor Wayne Slaton; Seat...

As Miami Lakes put the finishing touches on the town’s $35 million budget for 2016-2017 late last month, council members never discussed the possible impact the mayor’s lawsuit to cover his attorney fees could bring if the city has to pay $2.5 million his lawyers have been requesting for successfully defending him during his federal corruption trial.The two sides agreed to abate the case for six months while Miami Lakes pursues...

Mayor Michael Pizzi will deliver the annual State of the Town Address on Wednesday, October 19, at Town Hall, 6601 Main Street. A reception will be held from 6:30 to 7 p.m. before the Address which will be held in Council Chambers beginning at 7 p.m.Pizzi will highlight the priorities for the upcoming year and the Town’s accomplishments during the past year. All residents are invited to attend the event along with the participation of...